Reviews for ASTR230

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Alan Peel ASTR230 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 12/03/2021	I really liked the content of his class. I learned a lot, and all of the content is interesting. Don't take him for an easy-A though (or even a medium-difficulty A), the exams are very difficult, mostly because they were basically impossible to study for. There was also very little time in class to finish the discussion assignments. A major component of the class was group work. It's a gamble whether you'll like Peel or not. Even depending on the time of day I either love him or hate him.
Alan Peel ASTR230 Expecting a B Anonymous 12/14/2020	Very likeable professor, puts a lovely brand of dry humor throughout lectures and discussions. The course itself is challenging in that there is almost always something imminent: discussion 3 times a week with a worksheet, working on the Group Project Solar System towards the end of semester, etc. Otherwise, the discussions are graded on how much effort you put into them. The first couple units are math units with the expectations of an English class: make a good enough case, provide the evidence of your thought process, and get corrected if you were wrong later. You will still receive the points, just make sure you know the real answers for the tests. Professor Peel always had a chat open during the discussion for questions, and was ALWAYS real with us. If there was an idea that didn't work out, or something in particular that he expected from us, he would tell us. He mentions things like "I see multiple groups doing this, that, -- please be aware that I am expecting you to know (something important)." Always respectful, in my experience. Also, use ratios. Always. The class is one long gauntlet of group work, so you better get along early or it will not be a good time. I was lucky enough to get a fantastic one where all of our members contributed and spoke up.
Alan Peel ASTR230 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/19/2020	The class takes a lot of time and can be pretty frustrating and inconvenient. Dr. Peel though is pretty knowledgeable and good at explaining things, and I thought pretty likeable as well. Pros: Interesting content if you are into this kinda stuff Makes you think about problems learn quite a bit no real hw Cons: 3 discussions a week early lecture group project readings clicker questions/attendance mandatory
Alan Peel ASTR230 Expecting a B Anonymous 06/04/2019	Dr. Peel is a professor who can be really chill one day, then totally rude and off another day. I had him for both astr 230 and 340 and both of those classes were quite a challenge with him as a lecturer. Do not get me wrong, he can be an effective professor but can come off as rude and material such as homework and exams can be rather tricky. In astro 230 the average on each exam was a 65, 58, 70, and 68. Which is actually much lower than astro 340 exams which were about 70 to 73 each. Saving grace for 230 was there was no final and there are alot of free points for discussion assignments and clickers. If you really like the material take him, if you are not adapt at the algebra and math of astronomy be advised.